Changing SSH default port

ceantuco · 04-20-2010, 11:08 PM

Hi,

is it a bad idea to change SSH's default port (22) to a different port number?
Thx!

foodown · 04-20-2010, 11:29 PM

It's only really a bad idea if you want easy access for multiple shell users . . . why would you want to change it? "Security through Obscurity?" Sshd is not vulnerable to any exploits . . . nor has any version of it been to my knowledge over the past ten years or so . . .

bakdong · 04-20-2010, 11:30 PM

Depends why you're doing it. If it's to stop unauthorized access attempts some would argue that security by obscurity is not very secure. On the other hand, it does stop a lot of the script kiddy password attacks that generally only look for 22 and 2222 or similar.

rich_c · 04-21-2010, 12:39 AM

Personally, I prefer to take steps to ensure ssh is secure without changing ports. Have a look at my blog post on the subject for some ideas.

ceantuco · 04-21-2010, 11:59 PM

Hey guys! I apologize for not specifying the reason why I changed the SSH port. I have 1 server and my home computer running behind a router/firewall so I have port 22 opened for the server so i changed the SSH port on my home computer to be able to access it from outside as well.
Thanks for the quick response!

foodown · 04-22-2010, 02:04 AM

Well, in that case, no . . . it makes total sense to change the default port. Hehehe . . . you should make it port 111 or 121 (SunRPC). . . set up any potential hackers for a quick bout of excitement followed immediately by disappointment.